1879day.year
Fire burns down the second main building and dome of the University of Notre Dame, which prompts the construction of the third, and current, Main Building with its golden dome.
A devastating fire destroys the University of Notre Dame’s second Main Building and dome, prompting the construction of the iconic current structure.
On April 23, 1879, a fierce fire consumed the University of Notre Dame’s second Main Building and its central dome.
The blaze, reportedly caused by faulty heating equipment, spread quickly through the wooden interior and roof structures.
The loss galvanized the university community and its supporters to rebuild without delay.
Funding was secured through donations, and a new Main Building, designed by architect Vieux, rose on the same footprint with a striking golden dome.
The current building, completed in 1882, has since become an enduring symbol of Notre Dame’s heritage and resilience.
1879
University of Notre Dame
Main Building
1909day.year
In Portugal, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes near Lisbon, killing at least 60 people and injuring 75.
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes near Lisbon, Portugal, causing significant damage and resulting in dozens of casualties.
On April 23, 1909, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck near Lisbon, Portugal.
The tremor damaged buildings, streets, and infrastructure across the capital and surrounding villages.
At least 60 people were killed and over 75 injured as homes collapsed and fires broke out in the aftermath.
Rescue efforts involved military and civilian volunteers who provided medical aid and temporary shelter to survivors.
The disaster prompted improvements in Portuguese building codes and seismic research to better prepare for future quakes.
1909
magnitude 6.0 earthquake
1940day.year
The Rhythm Club fire at a dance hall in Natchez, Mississippi, kills 198 people.
A devastating fire breaks out at the Rhythm Club dance hall in Natchez, Mississippi, on April 23, 1940, claiming 198 lives.
One of the deadliest nightclub fires in U.S. history, it spurred major fire safety reforms.
On the evening of April 23, 1940, a blaze ignited inside the wooden Rhythm Club dance hall in Natchez, Mississippi.
Approximately 500 patrons were inside when flames, likely fueled by faulty wiring and flammable decorations, spread rapidly.
Poor lighting and inadequate exits trapped many guests, and rescue efforts were hampered by intense heat and smoke.
The disaster resulted in 198 deaths and dozens of injuries before the fire was extinguished.
The tragedy exposed critical safety shortcomings in public venues across the United States.
In its aftermath, stricter building codes, mandatory fire exits, and improved emergency protocols were enacted.
1940
Rhythm Club fire
Natchez, Mississippi
1966day.year
Aeroflot Flight 2723 crashes into the Caspian Sea off the Absheron Peninsula, killing 33 people.
Aeroflot Flight 2723 plunged into the Caspian Sea near the Absheron Peninsula, resulting in the loss of all 33 passengers and crew.
On April 23, 1966, Aeroflot Flight 2723, operating a domestic Soviet route, encountered unknown difficulties and crashed into the waters of the Caspian Sea off Azerbaijan’s Absheron Peninsula. All 33 people aboard, including crew and passengers, perished in the accident. The remote location and limited search-and-rescue capabilities of the era hampered efforts to locate the wreckage and determine the cause. Severe weather and navigational challenges were suspected factors. The disaster underscored safety issues in early Soviet aviation and led to subsequent reviews of flight operation procedures.
1966
Aeroflot Flight 2723
Caspian Sea
Absheron Peninsula
1979day.year
SAETA Flight 011 crashes in Pastaza Province, Ecuador, killing all 57 people on board. The wreckage was not discovered until 1984.
SAETA Flight 011 crashed in Ecuador’s remote Pastaza Province, killing all 57 passengers and crew; the wreckage remained hidden until 1984.
On April 23, 1979, SAETA Flight 011 disappeared during its route from Quito to Cuenca, colliding with mountainous terrain in pastel landscapes of Pastaza Province. Poor visibility and rugged topography hampered immediate search efforts, and the aircraft wreckage lay undiscovered for five years. All 57 people on board perished in the crash. The tragedy underscored the challenges of aviation in the Andes and led to reforms in flight tracking and mountain rescue operations. When the remains were finally located in 1984, families gained long-awaited closure, and safety protocols were strengthened to prevent similar disasters.
1979
SAETA Flight 011
Pastaza Province
2018day.year
A vehicle-ramming attack kills 11 people and injures 15 in Toronto. A 25-year-old suspect, Alek Minassian, is arrested.
A vehicle-ramming attack in Toronto on April 23, 2018 killed 11 people and injured 15 before the suspect was arrested.
On April 23, 2018, a van driven by 25-year-old Alek Minassian plowed into pedestrians along a busy stretch of Toronto's North York district. Eleven people lost their lives and fifteen others were injured in Canada's deadliest vehicle attack. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as victims were struck at multiple points along the route. The driver parked the van and surrendered to police without resistance moments later. Authorities later charged Minassian with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. The incident prompted a national discussion on public safety, vehicular violence, and measures to protect vulnerable road users.
2018
vehicle-ramming attack
Toronto
2019day.year
The April 2019 Hpakant jade mine collapse in Myanmar kills four miners and two rescuers, with at least 50 others missing and presumed dead.
On April 23, 2019, a jade mine collapse in Hpakant, Myanmar killed four miners and two rescuers, with dozens more missing in a tragic mining accident.
On April 23, 2019, a massive landslide buried a jade mine in Hpakant, northern Myanmar, trapping workers and emergency teams beneath tonnes of rubble. Initial reports confirmed the deaths of four miners and two rescue workers, while at least 50 others remained unaccounted for. Hpakant's informal mining operations often disregard safety regulations, contributing to frequent accidents. The region's jade industry, driven by high global demand, has long been criticized for dangerous conditions and lack of oversight. After the collapse, activists and international observers called for stricter enforcement of mining safety standards to prevent future tragedies.
2019
April 2019 Hpakant jade mine collapse
2024day.year
The 2024 Lumut mid-air collision in Malaysia kills 10 people while rehearsing for the 90th anniversary of the Royal Malaysian Navy.
During a rehearsal on April 23, 2024 in Lumut, Malaysia, two aircraft collided mid-air, killing all ten crew preparing for the Royal Malaysian Navy's 90th anniversary.
On April 23, 2024, two military aircraft participating in a rehearsal over Lumut, Malaysia, collided mid-air while preparing for the Royal Malaysian Navy's 90th anniversary celebrations. All ten personnel aboard the aircraft, including pilots and support crew, perished on impact. The collision occurred during a coordinated flight display over the Strait of Malacca, prompting an immediate search and recovery operation. Preliminary investigations focused on potential mechanical failure and breakdowns in pilot communication. The tragedy cast a somber shadow over the upcoming anniversary event and led the Malaysian Armed Forces to review safety procedures for future aerial exercises.
2024
2024 Lumut mid-air collision